What happens if you rub your face skin with banana peel?
The trend that has been viralized on social networks may not be as effective as influencers say, according to experts.
In mid -2025, a creator of fitness content called Ashton Hall went viral with a video in which he shows his morning (daily) routine that, he says, begins at 3:00 in the morning with exercises, meditation, immersions in ice water and numerous other practices, including the most comments generated: rubbing a banana peel in the whole face for several minutes. After this, dozens of other beauty and body care influencers began to make their own publications saying that this does wonders for the complexion. But is it really true? Let's see what the statements are and what some experts say.
The statements
Zareefa Ahmed-Arije, an American influencer of Bangladesi origin, also published for its more than 2 million followers on Instagram (@byzareefa) a video in which it ensures that rubbing the face with banana peel is “like a preventive Botox”. In the post, the founder of the skin care brand based on Ayurveda Ammu Beauty says she learned this mother's trick. "This serves to treat hyperpigmentation, contribute luminosity and hydrate. You must rub all over your face, focusing on the places where you have wrinkles, fine lines or spots. At the end, wait about 10 minutes and rinse with warm water. Do this as many times a week as possible."
Supposed benefits
According to the defenders of this practice, banana peels are rich in phenolic, compounds with powerful antibacterial and antioxidant properties, in addition to having carotenoids and polyphenols, which are effective in reducing inflammation. Its high content of vitamin C and potassium also makes them interesting for use in cosmetic care. For these qualities, it is said that including them in your skin care routine helps to illuminate and reduce fine wrinkles, fight dark circles, hydrate, minimize acne scars and even treat psoriasis outbreaks.
What experts say
Dr. Taylor Bullock, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic of Ohio, United States, told the Health Essentials blog that "there is no scientific evidence that suggests that a banana peel in the face will be found in the face will help." While confirming that this ingredient is rich in antioxidants and that your skin can obtain some of them with this practice, "if your goal is to really take advantage of them, it will be much more effective to use products specifically developed for it and dermatologically proven." Similar opinion was that of Dr. Helen He, attached teacher of Dermatology at Mount Sinai of New York. "The reality is that the natural vitamin C of bananas does not penetrate the skin barrier. That is why these components are processed in cosmetic products, so that they are effective."
Natural Botox?
Dr. Pravin Banodkar, a chief consultant dermatologist at the Saifee de Mumbai hospital, India, also, also said about the video of Zareefa. “I worry this Viral trend that promotes the application of banana peel on the face to obtain ‘effects similar to Botox’. ”recalled that this is the commercial name of a neurotoxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum That, in small doses, it is used to soften facial wrinkles by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause them, and none of the banana components or their peel achieves something similar. "These anecdotal results of content creators cannot be considered scientific evidence and, often use lighting, filters and specific chamber angles to create effects of‘ before and then deceitful, "he warned.
Other problems
Unless you can be sure that the banana you will use is completely organic, it is better to avoid this practice, according to Dr. Kiran Mian, a member of the American Determatology Academy. "Bananas and any fruit peels can have pesticides or microbes that can cause adverse skin reactions, such as irritation, to say at least. In addition, the absorption and bioavailability of antioxidants is limited when a banana peel is used as a path of administration in the skin." On the other hand, Dr. I add that care must be taken when rubbing the face with the peel, since doing so with too much force can be abrasive.
So do it or not?
Although experts agree that there is no scientific evidence to support this practice, they say that if you do not have serious skin problems and you just want to try some natural alternatives, you can do it, taking care not to rub very strong and to be alert to any allergic reaction. Those who have tried it say that in a week you can see differences in the texture and luminosity of the skin of the face. However, Dr. Mian recalls that specialized products will be more effective: "Cosmetics are subjected to rigorous stability, microbiological tests and other reactivity tests before use. They are formulated so that their possible benefits are bioavailable for the skin of the face. Remember that the venomous ivy is natural, but neither would you rub it on your face."
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